My MiKTeX installation isn't working properly and I want to reinstall it. But I cannot uninstall it using either 'Control Panel' or the 'uninstall.exe' file in the internal folder. I get a Windows error message at every turn. Updates are also not working. I just need a running LaTeX installation and fast.

How can I uninstall MiKTeX?

If I must delete files manually, which files would that be?

Can I install another distribution without disturbing my existing MiKTeX install?

If I have to, say, format everything and then install MikTex, what could I possibly do to avoid such a situation again?

You can uninstall MikTeX as any other program you have in computer. Go to control panel, open Uninstall Programs under Programs. Select MikTeX and select key Uninstall.
– ZarkoNov 29 '16 at 18:04

you can install TeX Live 2016 parallel to your MiKTeX distribution and simply switch compilers and other commands in your editor. Alternative: if really urgent use ShareLaTeX or Overleaf, as these are online based and only need a web browser.
– naphanealNov 29 '16 at 18:38